ANDY Meyrick believes he has never been in better shape on the eve of his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

The 24-year-old from Delamere will this weekend compete in the top class of the world famous endurance event as part of the French ORECA-Matmut-AIM team.

Meyrick warmed up for his crack at the jewel in the crown of international sports car racing with a third-placed finish at the American Le Mans Series race at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca track in Monterey, California.

Now the Chester-born star cannot wait to get to France and fulfil his boyhood dream.

“Le Mans is the most prestigious race there is for a sports car driver – it’s the biggest race you can do and certainly the biggest I will have done so far,” said Meyrick, who was close to making his Le Mans bow last year with the Kolles Audi team.

“I feel I’m coming of age now and starting to make strides forward with my driving and my sports car race craft. I’m ready and prepared for it.”

Meyrick has been ramping up his training to get himself into peak physical condition for the 78th annual Le Mans.

The former Helsby High and Chester King’s School student has been put through his paces by trainer Richard Chessman, concentrating on increased lower body work to build up leg strength in order to cope with the longer and harder braking required, as well as undertaking lung-busting swimming and rowing sessions.

Prior to his move to sports cars, Meyrick raced in Formula Ford and Formula Renault before moving up the British F3 Championship in 2008, a series in which he distinguished himself by scoring seven victories and nine pole positions in 12 races.

This year he has stepped up to compete in the American Le Mans with Dyson Racing.